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Clean Water Services outlines Scoggins Dam work, water reuse and DEQ funding as 2026 priorities
Summary
Clean Water Services staff told the Washington County board they will press for Scoggins Dam modifications, funding for DEQ’s water quality permitting and clearer regulatory pathways for water reuse, and they highlighted a possible Water Professionals Appreciation Week bill.
Clean Water Services (CWS) government relations manager Tracy Rainey briefed the Washington County Board of Commissioners on CWS’s proposed federal and state legislative priorities for 2026, stressing infrastructure investments, regulatory clarity for water reuse, and funding to support permitting and low-income water rate assistance.
Rainey said CWS will prioritize “advancing the structural modifications for Scoggins Dam and opposing any reductions in stormwater capacity,” while also advocating for policies that support water reuse, energy and nutrient recovery, and funding for the effective management of Wapato National Wildlife Refuge. On federal priorities, she also highlighted support for agricultural conservation incentives.
Commissioners asked whether regulatory or funding constraints limit reuse projects. Rainey explained that the DEQ water quality permitting program is made up of roughly 60% permit-fee revenue to 40% other funding and that state-level regulatory clarity — not federal finance alone — is an important barrier for reuse projects. "It is a 60%, 40% split with fees being 60% of the water quality division permitting program budget," Rainey said.
On state priorities, CWS wants to protect funding for DEQ’s Water Quality Division and to preserve local infrastructure financing tools — including system development charges — that support water infrastructure. Rainey also noted a prospective short-session bill to recognize water workforce contributions, calling it an opportunity to raise visibility for the sector.
Board members generally expressed support and discussed outreach tactics; suggestions included inviting legislators to tours or presentations and sharing CWS narrative materials with the Washington County caucus. Rainey said the CWS board has already engaged legislators via tours (example: Rock Creek facility) and coalition work during legislative days.
No formal board action was taken on the materials. CWS staff will incorporate any commissioner feedback and return with a final narrative as needed.
